If Jones misses any playing time — the Wolf Pack opens the season at UCLA on Aug. 31 — junior college transfers Dupree Roberts-Jordan and Ian Seau will likely see more playing time. The defensive line, and especially ends, has shown very good depth in camp.

In other news, Fred Lavulo has been moved from defensive tackle to offensive guard. The move was made in part because guard Rogelio Moreno, a first-year junior college transfer, has left the team for personal reasons.

The 28-year-old Lavulo is a 6-foot-2, 305-pound senior from Cottonwood, Utah who transferred from Cerritos College last season.

"He's been fantastic," Polian said. "I feel bad for the kid that the move wasn't made earlier in his career because he's got a terrific skill set to be a really good guard. The question is, can we get him caught up enough mentally?"

Lavulo's move is also in part a reaction to the loss of guard Darren Denucci, the JC transfer who suffered an undisclosed injury before camp started.

"This is what happens when you get guys hurt," Polian said. "We had thought Denucci would be the right guard. He suffers an injury over the summer. Moreno decided to leave the program for personal reasons. … We had a hole at right guard. We put Freddy in there for a day or two to experiment, and it went very well."

Polian said Lavulo and sophomore Zach Brickell (6-3, 290) are splitting starting reps at right guard.

Polian changed the Monday morning practice to a walk-through because the team is banged up. A bunch of two-deep players — including offensive linemen Joel Bitonio and Connor Talbott, receiver Richy Turner, running back Don Jackson and tight ends Stephen Jeffers and Randy Horton — have missed some practice time in camp. All but Horton (shoulder, out two to three weeks) have returned.

Polian also said other recent moves appear permanent. Former defensive end Tyler Houk, who moved to tight end on Saturday, will "probably stay," Polian said. Bryan Lane Jr., a former safety who started this season at linebacker, will continue to cross-train in both positions.

"(Houk) got thrown into the scrimmage the other night and did a pretty good job," Polian said.

About this blog

Longtime RGJ Media reporter Dan Hinxman is the authority on Wolf Pack athletics, bringing you the day-to-day coverage of Nevada’s sports teams. Dan has covered almost everything the Northern Nevada sports scene has to offer and will use his knowledge to bring you authoritative and engaging Wolf Pack content. Follow him on Twitter at @DanHinxmanRGJ.